Democrat Delays Top Bush Budget Nominee

MATTHEW DALY

Published 8:00 pm, Monday, June 9, 2003

Associated Press Writer

A Democratic senator is delaying President Bush's nominee for a top budget post to protest the administration's plan to cut in half a $58 million program to strengthen security at the nation's three largest seaports.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., says she will hold up indefinitely the nomination of Clay Johnson, a longtime Bush friend named to the No. 2 job at the Office of Management and Budget.

Murray is angry the Transportation Security Administration is not fully funding the port project, which would track cargo containers entering ports serving the New York, Los Angeles and Seattle areas.

The TSA said this week it is releasing $30 million for the program, known as Operation Safe Commerce. But the agency said another $28 million already approved by Congress may be redirected to help offset overspending in other areas.

Murray called that unacceptable.

"This is kamikaze," Murray said of her hold, one of only a handful she has placed on presidential nominees in more than 10 years in the Senate. "At some point you have to say, 'Pay attention to me.' This is an issue that's not going to go away."

A TSA spokesman declined to comment on Murray's action but said the agency is committed to port security. The $30 million for Operation Safe Commerce is part of $265 million being spent on port security this year _ nearly triple the amount spent last year, said TSA spokesman Brian Turmail.

The agency is in the process of reducing its work force and making other changes to close a budget gap once estimated at nearly $1 billion, Turmail said.

White House spokesman Ken Lisaius would not discuss Murray's action.

Johnson "is a longtime, trusted adviser to the president, and we look forward to working with Congress on his nomination," Lisaius said.

Murray, who pressed to create the port security program last year when Democrats controlled the Senate, said TSA chief James Loy asked her to release the hold in exchange for the $30 million appropriation, but she refused.

"He wasn't too happy about it," Murray said.

Murray said she is willing to take her fight to the Senate floor if necessary.

"This is an absolutely critical issue," she said. "I'm more than willing to take this as far as I need to take it."